Eon™ Rechargeable Neurostimulation System

St. Jude Medical, Inc. has announced today that its subsidiary Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS) received EU’s CE Mark clearance for the Eon™ Rechargeable Neurostimulation System, a pain management device. The company is also reporting the first European patient implant of the Eon implantable pulse generator (IPG).
The technology, according to the company:

Featuring the highest-capacity rechargeable battery on the market, the Eon implantable pulse generator (IPG) is designed to last a minimum of seven years at high power settings. This allows patients to go longer between battery replacement surgeries. Eon can power up to 16 independent electrodes, which allows clinicians more programming options to better manage the patient’s pain…
Spinal cord stimulators like Eon are implanted devices that are similar in function and appearance to cardiac pacemakers. To have a spinal cord stimulator or “pain pacemaker” implanted, a patient must undergo a minor surgical procedure in which a lead or leads are placed in the epidural space and connected to a generator, which serves as the power source and programming “brain.” Once activated, the system’s programs are adjusted and fine tuned to best control the patient’s pain. Patients use a controller (similar to a remote control) that allows them to check the system’s battery, adjust the power level, select from pre-set programs and turn the system power on and off.